"Yes. She is draining the life out of me. She will ruin me in the end."
Guido did not look up as he spoke, and he slowly tapped the hard earth with the toe of his shoe. He felt very helpless, and he shook his head over his misfortunes, which seemed great.
"That comes of being connected with royalty," said Lamberti, in the same rough tone.
"Is it my fault?" asked Guido, with a melancholy smile.
The sailor snorted discontentedly, and changed his position.
"What can I do?" he asked presently. "Tell me."
"Nothing."
"If I were only rich!"
"My dear friend," said Guido, "she demands a million of francs!"
"There are men who have fifty. Would a hundred thousand francs be of any use?"